Is Death The Right Penalty?

I was asked to read an article by H. L. Mencken “The Penalty of Death.” In this article he discusses two arguments against it and flaws in their thinking. He then goes on to state his reasons for supporting the death penalty and how it is a payment that sets everything right. However he does not see how if the death penalty is payment for the crime why is it not carried out right after the court decision is decided. “Why torture them as not even cannibals would torture their victims?” He says the common answer he received was that it gives them a chance to “make peace with God.” However he still does not see how that should postpone the death penalty. He believes that is putting constraints on God, and he even points out that at least Christians believe that their God has already forgiven them, and you simply have to accept which only take seconds, minutes, or hours rather than days, months, or years.

I don’t agree, with Mencken that is. I do agree that yes God can forgive in a split second, and he already has, but God has given each and every one of us a second chance at life. We have all in one way or another sinned against God, and He has forgiven us by sending His Son Jesus to die and pay the price for all of our sins. I used to believe in the death penalty because I heard that Jesus says “an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.” Yes, Jesus does say that in Matthew 5:38, however, I have come to find out that this is taken extremely out of context. The full passage in Matthew 5:38-42 is as follows:
“You have heard it said, ‘an eye for an eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go with him one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”
Does that sound to you like Jesus believes in the death penalty? I think not. The government still has a responsibility to hold people accountable in order to keep order in society, and life in prison does that. It takes away their life and their freedoms like was done with their victim, settling the score while still abiding by Jesus’ example of giving grace, mercy, and forgiveness.